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Two Detroit Police Department employees criminally charged, one for operating a chop shop

Detroit's new Police Chief James Craig

Detroit's new Police Chief James Craig was introduced to the media during a press conference with Mayor Bing and Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr Wednesday, May 15. Craig, a native of Detroit is "coming home" after serving in the Los Angeles, Portland and Maine police departments before becoming chief in Cincinnati in 2011. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

Booking photo for Devon Payton, a 5-year Detroit police veteran who has been charged with conspiracy to operate a chop shop. He is also charged with receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle.Detroit Police Department

DETROIT, MI -- They're supposed to uphold the law but Detroit Police Chief James Craig Wednesday announced two instances of suspected corruption within the Detroit Police Department.

Once case involved a 5-year police officer who, with his family, is believed to have been operating an illegal chop shop; the second involves a civilian employee in the medical department who, without authorization, charged at least one officer $200 -- though he only collected $100 -- for medical records that are usually free, according to Craig.

Booking photo for James Kerns, 56, a civilian Detroit police employee charged with felony embezzlement as a public official.Detroit Police Department

"Let there be no mistake, this department does not and will not tolerate such egregious acts by or against our members," Craig said. "We will vigorously investigate any and all allegations of this nature.

"I would like to emphasize that the actions of these employees are not conducive to those of the men and women who come to work each day and serve the citizens of this city with the utmost level of integrity and dedication."

On Nov. 4 members of the Detroit Commercial Auto Theft Section visited the site of a scrap yard that was handling parts from a neighboring suspected chop shop.

Craig said when officers arrived they noticed Police Officer Devon Payton, 30, removing an engine from a stolen vehicle. Payton later admitted that he was a Detroit police officer, that his family owned the shop and he was working there.

Wayne County prosecutors charged Payton with felony conspiracy to operate a chop shop and felony conspiracy to receive and conceal stolen property.

Payton, an officer in the Northeastern District, turned himself in for arrest on Nov. 12 and has been arraigned.

He was released on a $5,000, 10 percent personal bond and is scheduled for a preliminary exam on Dec. 20.

In the meantime, he has been suspended from the Detroit Police Department without pay. Other members of the chop shop were also charged.

Craig said an investigation revealed that James Kerns, 56, a 10-year civilian employee of the department in the Medical Section, in at least one instance, charged a department employee for medical records that were supposed to be free.

Finding the fee odd, the victim notified officials in the department who conducted an investigation and confirmed the allegations.

Craig said, so far, no other victims have come forward.

State Attorney General Bill Schuette's office reviewed the investigation and authorized arrest of Kerns which occurred Nov. 12. He is charged with felony embezzlement as a public official over $50 and as of Wednesday was being jailed.

"During the past several weeks the Detroit Police Department has fought many battles with respect to crime and corruption, none more disappointing than those that occur within our own ranks," Craig said.